IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE POST KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: INSIGHTS FROM A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW IN ASIAN RECIPIENTS

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Published 2026-05-20
Alviano Satria Wibawa Muhammad Bagus Fidiandra Nurizzah Farahiyah Sofia Zulfikar Dian Paradilan

Abstract

Introduction: Kidney transplantation (KT) offers significant benefits regarding its effectiveness in improving cure rate and enhanced quality of Life (QoL) compared to long-term dialysis, making it a critical intervention option for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Asia. Objective: This systematic review aims to identify the factors influencing post-transplant QoL in Asian recipients to provide valuable insights for guided healthcare interventions. Material & Methods: Structured by the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we performed a comprehensive electronic-based literature search on PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and Mendeley using the new PRISMA 2020 recommendations. We included observational studies that reported post-transplant quality of life and related variables, focusing on KT recipients with ESRD, and that were published between 2018 and 2023. We evaluated the reliability and validity of the included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument, or JBI-QARI. Results: Out of 154 initial studies, we excluded 145 during screening and eligibility tests, resulting in nine applicable studies for this review. KT recipients consistently reported experiencing good QoL post-transplantation, with lower rates of depression compared to CKD patients. We observed significant differences in QoL between pre- and post-kidney transplant patients. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the positive impact of KT on the QoL of Asian recipients. Understanding the factors influencing QoL, such as appearance, uncertainty/fear, physical symptoms, fatigue, and emotional well-being, can lead to personalized care and support, optimizing the overall well-being of KT recipients. Immunosuppressant benefits in graft rejection prevention must be balanced with potential risks to enhance patient outcomes. This study provides valuable insights to guide healthcare interventions for better patient care in the Asian population undergoing kidney transplantation. Keywords: Kidney transplant, end stage renal disease, quality of life.  


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Keywords

Kidney Transplant, End Stage Renal Disease, Quality of Life

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Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine/Airlangga University